Bishop warns of American trade approach

World leaders have to think globally and not follow the United States in pushing for protectionist trade deals, former foreign minister Julie Bishop says.

She will give a speech at the National Security Conference in Canberra on global trends, including challenges to the rules-based order.

Ms Bishop says US President Donald Trump has campaigned on disrupting the political order.

"One feature of President Trump's approach to policy is that his "America First" approach is perceived by many nations as a zero-sum game, where the United States can only win if some other nation loses," Ms Bishop will say.

"President Trump has a professed preference for bilateral agreements, where he appears to believe that a better deal can be negotiated on behalf of the American people.

"This is fine in principle as all world leaders act in the interests of their nation, however there also needs to be an acknowledgement that any agreements can work to be the benefit of both nations, and preferably to the benefit of others."

Ms Bishop also believes the rules-based order that has evolved since World War II is under "direct challenge".